Mallette

Well, the verdict is in. We got started a bit late, and didn't have time to do a lot of listening, just a couple of cuts. However, there was a noticeable increase in resolution from the SME/Rotel combination. The trumpet on the Buddy Hackett/Enoch Light record just about jumped out of the speaker. As I expected, it is not enormous, but definitely worth the price of admission...about a 150.00 all told. Looking forward to my Grado stylus replacement showing up. Still quite a bit of tweaking to be down on the SME. We had a hard time balancing it, the big weight just was too much, so we went with the light black one. I expected the anti-skate to balance at the same point as the arm, but it takes several notch differences to negate. Wound up having to solder the leads as there was no wiring header. Probably order one from SME at some point, if they can still be had. Thank God for Jeff Savage's soldering skills! My friend Ron of the 10.00 Cornwalls fame did the boring honors with his fine old brace and bit. Unfortunately, I did not do my job very well and the dust cover doesn't clear the arm. I am going to attempt to shim the dust cover out a bit and hope it will clear. Otherwise, will have to enlarge the mounting hole a bit. Bummer. Funny, I knew that was going to happen! Jeff noted how nice the Cornwall filled in the center hole. I could use just a bit more. Since my center tap is passive and drawn from the Left/Right power amp outputs, the efficiency difference to the Cornwall means it is at least 6 db below the 'horns. Jeff says he might bring his Heresy over to test the theory. Of course, I don't want it to stick out, but just a little more would help, methinks. Frankly, I think that is why PWK built the Belle after the Cornwall. I think it would be perfect there. Anyway, a fun day, if a bit rushed. Looking forward to the next meeting of the DFW Area Klipsch Forum at Jeff's in August. My first introduction to 5.1 SACD and DVD. I fully expect my opinion of digital tech to improve! Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Wonder if the failure of more women to enjoy our hobby is more the failure of more audiophiles to have KLIPSCH! Congrats, Dano. On your speakers and your wife. Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Freudian slip? No, just a mistake. Please insert "wouldn't"!!!! Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Should be a fun day. My Rotel RP300 arrived yesterday, and looks like it just came of the shelf. Everything packed factory fresh. My friend (lonelobo of the 20.00 Cornwalls fame) and newly converted audio bargain hunter is bringing hand tools to bore and mount the arm, and then we are going to test tubes in the Scott 222B integrated VT amp he picked up the same day for 5.00. Forum member Jeff Savage is coming to test tubes from his Fisher. Then we are going to LISTEN. Question is, I don't know what to expect. I listened for a couple of hours yesterday. Jimi Hendrix, Bobby Hackett Quartet, my 1956 StereoLab Gabrieli festival recording. So beautiful, musical, clean. Perhaps the P-4300 and Audio Technica is not so bad? Maybe I am deaf? The Hackett recording, an Enoch Light produced Project3 recording from 1969, is unreal. Virtually silent, spacious soundstage. Sounds for all the world like an intimate Manhattan jazz club. Don't know how much better the SME/Grado/Rotel can make it sound. Fact is, when I listen to a great recording of great music, about the only system issue that can break my reverie is a stylus hang! As long as my 4 year old continues to come running saying "Come, daddy, let's listen to MUSIC" I am going to feel quite satisfied with my system. I sometimes wonder if some of the well-heeled audiophiles would simply stop listening if they suddenly couldn't afford their 4 and 5 figure turntables with solid gold interconnects. Sure, I envy the Rockport owner...but not a lot. Certainly would trade my Perfect Audiophile Wife and music-loving family for one. Just some Sunday musings on what promises to be a great audio afternoon. Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

These Cornwalls were well disquised. Looked like a dog house...dirty burlap stapled to them, dog hair everywhere, including on the cones. Even my sharp-eyed bud could believe his eyes when he saw the Klipsch labels on the back. Of course, it took us all of ten minutes to get the babes cleaned up, and the one that is usable sounds as good as new. Probably a good thing they were decorator black, as veneer would have been a real mess under the same conditions. As it is, refinish will be quite easy. Gonna test the Scott 222B today. It cleaned it real pretty as well. Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Between my recent good fortune on the Cornwalls (posted as "Cornwalls, 10.00") and the distance to Nashville, I can't take advantage of this deal. I agree something is going on if they sound different separately than together, and with a bit of patience it could be figured out. Refinishing is also not a big deal. However, I am sure they will find a loving and accepting home. Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

The finish is decorator black. It's worn through in a number of spots. Paint would work fine, though veneering them would be very nice indeed. Bottom line: It sounds great. Don't give a hoot in hell about appearance. Looking about music is like reading about paintings. Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Been an interesting and profitable week. Never used Rotel RP-3000 turntable for 137.50, free SME 3009II arm, a number of outstanding LP's at .50 per, now, a pair of Cornwalls for 20.00. Well, I didn't get them, but my best friend did, along with an HH Scott Model 222B integrated VT amp (20 watts/channel) for 5.00. Quite an impressive system for a total of 25.00, donchaknow. As he is in no rush to resell, the working Cornwall will reside in my system indefinitely. Serial #5M162 Model CDBB. One works perfectly and now imaging issues are solved for a while as it is occupying the center channel. The other needs a woof replace. Both had burlap tacked on them and were covered with dog hair. Not pretty...but who the hell cares? Coat of paint and they'll be just fine! Only verified tube function in the Scott, but haven't hooked it to anything. Cleaned it up a bit and I'd put it about 8 on a cosmetic scale. Few numbers worn on the volume control, but otherwise very beautiful. Now that I have his eyes trained, I plan to keep him busy... Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

"Nice pair of Klipsch La Scalas, make an offer" The fine print. "Qty 1" refers to one PAIR. Something will turn up. Like I said, I really need to give it a rest for a bit anyway. Thanks for the tip. HDBR: "Heresy in the Church!" They all probably hail from that era and have no idea what they own. Somebody needs to give those Nashville parishoners a lecture on stewardship. They are probably trashing those Klipsch for Bose, fer crying out loud! The Devil is loose in Nashville!! Thank God for Dano to the rescue...tis an ill wind indeed that blows nobody good. Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Congratulations!! As Charlie the Tuna said "I don't want speakers with good taste, I want speakers that TASTE GOOD!" I am releaseing my option on the other one. Thanks for recognizing my first claim...true to the spirit of the Forum as I've experienced it! However, I don't want to push the "perfect audiophile wife" with a project purchase at this point. Refinishing would probably be OK, but having to get a driver might be just one step too many. I've about 2000.00 into my system this year (the Khorns being the bulk), and while a ready-to-play bargain would be worth the risk, descretion is the better part of valor here. I'll probably wait a bit, then see if I can partner with someone else on the list in need of a center speaker. I really want a Belle if I can get it...though a real bargain La Scala would certainly suffice. Looking forward to the listening reports! Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Like an idiot, I make a play for one in public. Duhhh. What was I thinking???? I GOT FIRST DIBS, DAMITALL. :-) Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Good man! Wondered why you were at your computer again whilst the Klingons were gitten yer Klipsch! Let me know about the third one. Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Thanks. What a relief... Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

There was a time not too many years ago when pawn shops were the perfect place to get a bargain. Used to spend Saturdays with a bud on pawn shop crawl. The owner knew nothing about nor cared to learn about audio gear, loaned little on it and charged little more. Unfortunately, the independents were all bought up in the DFW area by chains like American Pawn, etc. They research and price every item accordingly. I don't bother to go to them anymore. No more likely to get a surprise deal there than McDonalds. The Canton First Monday Trade days near Dallas was over 200 acres of the best goody hunting imaginable until maybe 3 years ago. Now all the good stuff is gone to Ebay. Nothing but arts and crafts left... (SIGH) The world is gettin SO homogenized. Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Actually, I'd be happy to purchase one of the three from you if you only need two... I am in need of a center for my Khorns. Can't believe all these Klipsch deals in Nashville. Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

The handles are not unusual. La Scalas were most often used in commercial applications. Sounds like these were. GO GET THEM! Or tell me where they are :-) Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

I'd like to ditto the comments on the HHB. I purchased one several years ago and have made several field recordings with it using high end mics through a VT mic preamp. The output was also sent to my Sony RM500 DAT, a superb machine. The HHB has been 100% reliable and produces wonderful music. Further, it will burn anything you stick in it except pancakes. Question from above in the thread: I use extraction software to extract CD's to WAV. My understanding is that no transcoding is involved and the soundcard is bypassed, just a header change in the files. This seems to be born out in the output, which sounds significantly better than my CD player (which is not exactly audiophile grade). Even if I am wrong about this, there is no doubt the files sound better from my computer. I've also dumped DAT>HDD>CD>DAT without any audible degradation useing the above non-transcode methods. So am I wrong about this? Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Deepest sympathy. Time to haunt Ebay if you really feel the urge for Heritage. I got my Khorns two months ago for a total of 1677.00 delivered from Denver. I am a fundamentally happier man now, and my whole family gathers around the 'horns on a regular basis. It takes patience, study, and most of all, a decision as to EXACTLY how much you are willing to pay such that you are not sorry you didn't go higher. It is really quite difficult to pay more for Heritage on Ebay than they are worth. Good luck! Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Sorry about the lead, but it was obvious nobody wanted to read this under the other topic...and I DO need some help. So I am the proud owner of a Rotel RP3000 DD turntable that has never been used or had an arm mounted. Accessories still in their plastic bags! 137.50. I know nothing of this table and it is not in the smattering of directories I have, but must assume it to be no worse than the Sony P-4300 I have now. However, the SME 3009II that should arrive tomorrow courtesy of my audio angel will be a MASSIVE improvement. Just one problem: I've suddenly realized that preping the table is going to be a "get it right the first time" high-precision operation about which I know NOTHING. I am hoping the Rotel instructions will be enlightening, but I am putting out a call for help. I've given some thought to measureing the SME base and drawing a scale template on AutoCAD to affix to the table for prep. Anybody out there shed some light on the process or direct me to a source of information? Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Some of you have heard of how my wife turned the bedroom over to me because it was the only room in the house with Klipsch Korners. The DFW Area Klipsch Forum get together also yielded significant envy and sorrow that she has no sisters. So I get home from my HS Reunion in Texarkana Sunday afternoon and out comes the FD goodies, all decorated by my 4 year old daughter. Several neat irrelevancies, but then there is the package that's just about 12" square that can only mean one thing! Some may remember an earlier thread where I mentioned that I'd passed over a Hendrix album because I feared it was a pirate disc and perhaps really bad quality. Someone (perhaps either HDBR or MH) said "bad move" as they'd purchased some of the series whilst stationed in Vincenza. In spite of my vinyl frenzy, I carefully removed my daughters work and there they are, not one but TWO Jimi's, numbers 31 and 56. Number 56 is sealed!!! I put 31 on the turntable, crank the volume, and am totally plastered to the back wall by Hendrix that I'd never really heard. My Klipschorns repro'd his equipment with merciless accuracy. My poor wife fled from the room and closed the door behind her at the perfectly reproduced distortion in "Wipe the Sweat." Word really can't describe these discs. Most Hendrix recordings I've ever heard had to be listened THROUGH in order to hear the mastery of Hendrix, much as is required to enjoy Caruso. Then she brought out the foot-deep stack she'd also picked up. Mess of Telefunken's, Bach Guild, a pristine Biggs/Tarr/Texas Boys Glory of Gabrieli, all in good to excellent and most at 50 cents each from Recycled Books. What a day! I've been nuts about her for years, but since we've gotten the Klipschorns, she is becomeing an accomplished record hunter and really enjoys it. The whole family piled up on the futon listening to music. Life is GOOD! Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

So I am the proud owner of a Rotel RP3000 DD turntable that has never been used or had an arm mounted. Accessories still in their plastic bags! 137.50. I know nothing of this table and it is not in the smattering of directories I have, but must assume it to be no worse than the Sony P-4300 I have now. However, the SME 3009II that should arrive tomorrow courtesy of my audio angel will be a MASSIVE improvement. Just one problem: I've suddenly realized that preping the table is going to be a "get it right the first time" high-precision operation about which I know NOTHING. I am hoping the Rotel instructions will be enlightening, but I am putting out a call for help. I've given some thought to measureing the SME base and drawing a scale template on AutoCAD to affix to the table for prep. Anybody out there shed some light on the process or direct me to a source of information? Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

My problem was that I had NOT been listening to full ranger horns all my life...just wanting to. I've had all kinds of speakers since the 60's, and some did one thing better than another, some were just sort of OK on most anything, etc. Klipschorns are mercilessly accurate. They are the one thing I can eliminate in my repro chain as the source of a problem. Last night a put on a Hendrix album and my wife literally FLED the room. The reason was the distortion, perfectly reproduced, of Hendrix original system and recording. She'd have flew the room if she'd been at the original session (well, I'm sure most present that day were sedated). What I've found is that recordings simply sound like whatever they are. That is what I want, and that is what I have. Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Jeff, you've really hit the nail on the head. The following is true of the audiophile community in general, and peaks in the LP area: The equipment freaks, always listening for what is WRONG with their system, and never satified until they find something to fix. The music freaks: always praying NOTHING will break through the music veil to annoy them and cause them to have to diddle with something. Now, remember, at both ends this is a HOBBY, and there is absolutely nothing wrong or right about either side. I'm sure either extreme is happy doing what they do, and the majority switch sides from time to time as their attitudes and experience changes. I started out in, and have largely remained, on the music side. I've said many times if I could get a little black box that was flat from DC to Light and had only a volume control, I'd sit and listen to it until I died. Sure, I get SOME degree of pleasure from the equipment, but I generally just want to get it working right and leave it alone. Since you are just getting started with records, I suggest you relax, not worry too much, get your Kenwood set up with the least hassle possible, and enjoy. If the other bug is going to strike, it'll get there without any help! Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

Holy Moly! That system with the Rockport looks more like the Imperial Chapel of the Palace of the Dogon Emperors! "Enter in FEAR, and keep silent." GOOOOLEEE, guess I'd better give muh Gramophone another winding... Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless

MH: There are always exceptions. While it is difficult for me to imagine a TT that would not benefit from a high mass platform, it is metaphysically absurd to debate what another person hears, and ethically iffy to doubt they hear it. As to my "Dream" turntable, that would depend upon whether it is post-lottery win or reality based. Sticking with reality, my plan if purchased new, was a Rega Planar 3. However, when budget permits, I suspect I will haunt Ebay for the same money and hope to get a Michel or Micro Seiki or something else trully spectacular (Linn included) for the same money. Right now, I've my eyes on a couple of candidates (see me off list if you want to know...I don't want any competition on them!) on Ebay as temporary solutions that will mount the SME 3009 II arm my audiophile angel is bestowing on me. If I get same up and running in the next couple of weeks, I'll report thoroughly. For cartridge, I am limited to my own stock for budgetary purposes at the moment. I've a Stanton 991 I am not sure I can get a stylus for, the Grado Signature (old line, not the pricey new one, for which I shall get a new stylus and use. It's the one my wife immediately liked and heard a major difference from the previous. Also a Shure M91ED, an Empire 880, also not sure whether anyone is making a stylus for, a Stanton 681EEE, same situation, and a Shure M44 outfitted for 78. Actually, I HAVE my dream TT for 78's: Empire 598 Mk II with a Grado ZF3E+ running through an Audio Alchemy phono stage. Can't imagine them sounding any better. I'd originally intended to use the Empire as my main TT, but could not figure out the micro adjustments on it. They are plenty close enough for 78's, however. There's a ramble for you. Jeff started this thread to try to get back to TT/vinyl maintenance, and here we go again!!!! Dave ------------------ David A. Mallett Average system component age: 30 years. Performance: Timeless